He is in the top 50 of whoscored at #44.
Thought he had a poor game overall. Made a few mistakes that could've been punished. Great heart though and never stopped going.
Folding my way into the big money!!!
Thought he had a rough start but grew into the game. His yellow was a tough one because the ref got it right but Enda did have to go for that one. He tries to keep possession but got himself into trouble a few times.
I’d stick with him. Who does Mick play there for Georgia away with Enda suspended? Doherty?
Options conceivable options are:
1) Doherty
2) Brady
Those would be my two preferences. A way to get Doherty into the side is a good thing. As for Brady, it might be his best position. He did well there both at club level before going to Burnley and for Ireland prior to the Germany game and the long term injury. It allows you get his left foot into the game, which admittedly is less important with Hourihane on the pitch but still is an advantage.
3) McClean
4) Christie
Mick’s mentioned that McClean would have been his go-to guy to cover Stevens if he needed. He’s playing there sometimes in a back 5 for Stoke but I’m not really sure the defensive instincts are there to play left back.
Christie has done well there for Ireland on the few occasions he played there. Perhaps the game against Cyprus? hard to remember now but he can certainly play the position and against Georgia he wouldn’t let you down.
5) Clarke
6) Long
Clark started his Ireland career at left back. Yep remember him being superb against Wales where Gary Speed was managing Wales. He was quick and composed. Played another few games in the home nations cup in that position and was very good and then got moved to centre half. Been a long time since that point.
Kevin Long played 2-3 games under MON there. Good defensively and useful both defending and attacking set pieces but hardly Roberto Carlos.
7) Hayes
8) Cunningham
9) D Williams
10) Manning
Serious long shots...
Hayes won man of the match against Valencia playing that position under Rodgers. Celtic don’t really have a good left back with Tierney gone, so if he were to break into the side in that position, maybe...
Cunningham was supposed to be great for Preston for years but it didn’t work for him at Cardiff. But he’s probably the only natural left back on the list, so there’s an argument for that.
Williams, his only irish cap came at left back. Big versatile lad and useful championship player.
Manning - just started playing there for QPR. Centre midfielder by trade but another month of good performances in that position could draw the attention of the staff
I suppose we can throw Luca Connell in there in the long shot category as well.
Agree with this again. He was shaky at the start but it was one of his first appearances against a good international side and he has been more familiar with the wing back role. He did far better in the second half and was fine in the first half for the brief time he was left of a back three.
Needs a run of games . He is improving .
I agree - Stevens had a horrible start to the game but grew into it. I think he tried to do the right thing by being composed ion the ball when chipping it up the line would have been easier, but his optionbs and support were limited so he got caught. Coleman ahda great first half but suffered from the same problem in the second half. Some of Stevens' crosses were superb.
Nothing on the Stevens thread for a while. Must be Irish player of the season in the premier league so far...
Certainly doing well for my fantasy football team! Another bonus point performance away against Arsenal yesterday. My policy of always picking ex UCD players standing me well
He has been absolutely superb. I suppose there is not that much else to say. Wouldn't look remotely out of place playing for one of the big boys.
I try and watch every Sheffield United game, mostly to swoon over Didsy (a magical, beautiful player) but also because about 10-20 times a game I'll shout to my viewing partner "Look at Stevens!" because he'll have done something great, either defensive or attacking. He has been absolutely amazing. His lofted ball in that landed on one of the striker's heads and went straight in the net but was ruled out by VAR over Xmas was a thing of beauty. His progression in the last 12 months is astonishing, to me anyway.
That's what I think but I have some "Bohs-minded" pals who though I was just looking at him through hooped glasses earlier in the season. I think we all agree now. He's taken to the EPL like a duck to water.
Nominated for Premier League Goal of the Month.
Vote here: https://www.premierleague.com/news/1634487
Playing today hopefully fit in few weeks
Bookmarks